Storm scores late, clips Chiefs in shootout

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Toledo Storm defeated the Johnstown Chiefs 3-2 in an overtime shootout last night at Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

Toledo left wing Rob Thorpe scored a goal with 1:59 remaining in regulation to force overtime.

Then Toledo goaltender Mark Bernard, who was outstanding while making 32 saves, including seven in overtime, took over. The Storm defeated Johnstown for the third time in four nights as the teams concluded an unusual three-game series.

Storm leading scorer Andrew Williamson was credited with the game-winning goal in the shootout. Shawn Maltby and James Patterson also scored shootout goals against Johnstown goaltender Freddie Deschenes. Bernard only allowed the Chiefs' first shooter, Dorian Anneck, to score in the shootout.

“Coming into the weekend we hadn't been playing well,” Storm coach Dennis Holland said. “We played solid hockey for 60 minutes.”

“To me it looked like his stick was over the crossbar, but when he came down, it was right in front of his belly,” Holland said.

“I think he started above, but when he actually hit the puck, it was below his shoulders.”

Johnstown coach Scott Allen was visibly upset with the call.

“It never should have been a goal,” Allen said. “We played hard for 65 minutes. To have the outcome of the game to be decided by the referee is just a heartbreaker.”

Toledo will visit Wheeling today.

Click to comment

Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Comments that violate these standards, or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, are subject to being removed and commenters are subject to being banned. To post comments, you must be a registered user on toledoblade.com. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.